Ensure Safe Operation Of Ships With The Standard ISM Code

For the safe operation of ships and for pollution prevention, ISM code is mandatory. The International Safety Management Code is an international code which is established against the pollution and safety risks involved in the shipboard operations. The code was adopted in November 1993 by the IMO as resolution A.741(18). Later on 1st July 1998, the ISM code came into force through SOLAS Chapter IX, ‘Management For The Safe Operation Of Ships’. The main objective of the ISM code is the prevention of loss of life or human injury, ensure safety at sea, avoid damage to the environment; particularly, the marine environment.

The origin of this mandatory code goes back to the late 1980s wherein, poor management in shipping was the mounting concern of the time. It was the time when high proportion of maritime accidents were estimated. Studies have shown that the shortcomings were mainly because of poor ship management, both at sea and ashore. To ensure safe operation of ships, in 1987, the Maritime Safety Committee was called upon to develop guidelines concerning shore-based and shipboard management. The terrible loss of the Herald of Free Enterprise in 1987 became a catalyst in the process.

Every ISM compliant ship is first audited by the company and later by Flag State Marine Administration in order to verify the effectiveness and fulfillment of the Safety Management System. As soon as the SMS is verified, the ship gets issued with the Safety Management Certificate. So, receive the ISM code and ensure the safe operation of ships.